Buzz
New Zealand, an island nation located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, consists of two main islands: the North and South Islands. Polynesians arrived between 1250 and 1300, creating a unique Māori culture. The first European contact occurred in 1642. Today, New Zealand’s culture is a blend of British, European, Māori, and Polynesian influences. While Māori and European are the largest ethnic groups, Auckland, home to a large Polynesian community, is often considered the largest Polynesian city in the world.
Auckland, with its population of over one million, is regarded as the world’s most isolated major city. New Zealand is currently ranked as the 122nd most populous country globally. Its extended isolation has led to the development of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. New Zealand offers a range of extraordinary experiences. This article highlights 15 fascinating places and events in the country.
15. Kawekaweau
The Kawekaweau, a now-extinct species of giant gecko native to New Zealand, holds the title of being the largest gecko ever known, reaching lengths of over 600 mm (about 2 feet). The only confirmed sighting of a living Kawekaweau dates back to 1870, when a Māori chief encountered and killed one under a dead rata tree in the Waimana Valley's forest, a region now part of Te Urewera National Park in the North Island.
Described as 'brownish with reddish stripes and as thick as a man's wrist,' the Kawekaweau was further immortalized in 1986, when a stuffed specimen was discovered in the basement of the Natural History Museum of Marseille. The origins of the specimen's journey to France remain a mystery. In 1990, it was repatriated to New Zealand's Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, whose name roughly translates to 'the place of treasures of this land.'
14. Greenstone
Pounamu, commonly known as greenstone, refers to various types of nephrite jade, bowenite, or serpentinite found predominantly in New Zealand. Most commonly, pounamu is used to describe nephrite jade, sourced from specific rivers on the South Island. Searching for this precious stone can be challenging, as it often hides inside large boulders that must be split open to reveal it. The Māori recognize four main types of pounamu: kawakawa, kahurangi, īnanga, and tangiwai. Of these, kahurangi is the rarest and most prized for its striking translucence.
Pounamu holds a significant place in Māori culture, revered not only for its striking appearance but also for its remarkable strength and durability. In 1997, the Crown returned ownership of all naturally occurring pounamu to Ngāi Tahu, the indigenous tribe of the South Island. Today, greenstone remains highly prized in New Zealand, often given as a gift to visitors or those leaving the country.
13. Globster and Zuiyo-maru Carcass
For centuries, reports of mysterious sea creatures have surfaced along the New Zealand coast. In 1968, a large carcass was found at Muriwai, located on the west coast of the North Island. Measuring an impressive 30 feet (9.1 m) in length and 8 feet (2.4 m) in height, the creature puzzled experts. The chairman of the Zoology Department at the University of Auckland remarked, 'I can’t think of anything it resembles.' The body was photographed and appeared to be a large, hairy mass. Despite the initial intrigue, there are very few written accounts on the discovery.
In 1977, the Japanese fishing trawler Zuiyō Maru stumbled upon the infamous Zuiyo-maru carcass off the eastern coast of New Zealand, near Christchurch. The crew initially believed they had found an unknown species, but Captain Akira Tanaka opted to dispose of the body back into the sea. Before doing so, however, they documented the discovery with photos, sketches, and tissue samples. The event sparked a 'plesiosaur-craze' in Japan, with many speculating it could be a prehistoric reptile. Tissue analysis later suggested the creature was likely a basking shark, but its unusual features—such as a long neck, four large reddish fins, a lengthy tail, and no dorsal fin—remain baffling.
12. William Trubridge
William Trubridge, a New Zealand-based free-diver, has set numerous records in the sport. He became the first person to dive beyond 100 meters without assistance. In 2011, he was honored with the World’s Absolute Freediver Award (WAFA), recognizing him as the world's best all-around free-diver. On December 16, 2010, he achieved a new world record by diving to 101 meters (331.36 feet) on a single breath, using only his hands and feet for propulsion.
During this remarkable dive, Trubridge made no use of swimming fins, weights, or a heavy sled, and he didn’t rely on any inflatable airbag for his ascent. He held his breath for an impressive 4 minutes and 10 seconds from start to finish. The dive occurred at Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the deepest known blue hole in the world, filled with seawater.
On April 10, 2011, during the third day of competition at Vertical Blue, Trubridge reclaimed his world record in Free Immersion by diving to a depth of 121 meters in 4 minutes and 13 seconds. Unlike other types of free diving, Free Immersion allows the diver to use a rope for support during descent and ascent. Trubridge, who is an instructor with the Apnea Academy, also operates a free-diving school and organizes the Vertical Blue competition annually at Dean’s Blue Hole. New Zealand has become famous for its top-tier divers, with another notable free-diver, Dave Mullins, among its ranks.
11. Aramoana Massacre
On November 13, 1990, the quiet seaside town of Aramoana in New Zealand became the site of the deadliest criminal shooting spree in the country’s history. David Gray, a 33-year-old man with no employment, began a relentless attack on his neighbors and townsfolk using a scoped semi-automatic rifle. The carnage led to the deaths of thirteen people, including local police Sergeant Stewart Guthrie. In the aftermath, Commissioner of Police John Jamieson dispatched the Special Tactics Group (STG) to track down Gray, which led them to a house in the northeastern part of Aramoana after a day of searching.
Around 5:50 pm, David Gray emerged from the house, firing wildly and shouting 'Kill me!' He advanced a few steps before being struck by gunfire from the STG, eventually succumbing to his injuries before reaching the hospital. Police officers fired between 50 to 60 shots during the operation, with over 150 officers involved. Three days after the tragedy, Gray’s home on Muri Street was deliberately set on fire and reduced to ashes. The massacre led to tighter gun control regulations in New Zealand.
10. Barry Smith
Barry Smith was a preacher and author from New Zealand, known for his worldwide travels spreading the message of Christianity. He was also a conspiracy theorist who authored eight books on apocalyptic prophecy. Smith expressed deep concerns over the New World Order, One World Government, and the Mark of the Beast. He theorized that the Mark would be implemented through modern technology, such as barcode tattoos or chips replacing money. Many of Smith’s predictions are said to have manifested over time.
Among his predictions were the emergence of subcutaneous RFID implants, the rise of terrorism, and ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. Smith was a vocal supporter of 9/11 conspiracy theories, claiming the attacks were engineered by the U.S. federal government. Before passing away in 2002 at the age of 69, he forecast an impending global financial collapse. He believed the Bible pointed to the shift of global trade from America to Europe, stating, 'Under the reign of the Antichrist, the American dollar will give way to the Euro dollar.' He also suggested that the New Zealand dollar would eventually be replaced by an Asian currency.
Barry Smith stated: 'I also discovered that the AIDS virus was created in a laboratory in America, which has been proven by a Jewish fellow called Leonard Horowitz. We even have the cure for AIDS. I’m a friend of the President of Kenya, and they are using it there. That’s how wicked and mixed up everything is.' Kenya has seen a significant reduction in HIV prevalence compared to other African nations, attributed to behavioral changes and better access to medication. Smith also had harsh words for Henry Kissinger, speculating that he might be the 'Antichrist.'
9. Kakapo
New Zealand lies about 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) to the east of Australia, separated by the Tasman Sea. Due to its remote location, it is known as one of the last areas settled by humans. This isolation has given rise to a distinctive biodiversity, making New Zealand one of the most biologically unique and diverse places on Earth.
Birds make up the most significant portion of New Zealand’s vertebrate fauna, and the islands are home to many endemic species, meaning species that are exclusive to this region. Of the estimated 20,000 fungal species in New Zealand, only approximately 4,500 have been documented. Additionally, the country is home to two subspecies of endemic cetaceans: Hector’s Dolphin and its close relative, Maui’s Dolphin.
The Kakapo, also known as the owl parrot, is a large, flightless, nocturnal parrot endemic to New Zealand. It holds the distinction of being the world’s only flightless parrot and the heaviest parrot species. The Kakapo is also one of the longest-living birds, with a lifespan that can exceed 60 years. Its physical features reflect the process of evolution on oceanic islands, a phenomenon known as Island gigantism. Unfortunately, the Kakapo is critically endangered. Like many island species, it lost its ability to fly due to the absence of mammalian predators.
With the arrival of humans and the introduction of predators such as cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, and stoats, the Kakapo population was nearly decimated. By February 2012, only 126 known individuals remained, many of which had been given names. In 2009, the remaining Kakapos were relocated to two predator-free islands, Codfish (Whenua Hou) and Anchor islands, where they are carefully monitored. The species, like other parrots, is recognized for its intelligence.
8. Sport Icons
Sports are widely enjoyed in New Zealand, and despite the country’s small size, it has achieved remarkable success across a variety of sports, particularly in rugby, cricket, sailing, netball, motorsports, climbing, and other extreme activities. New Zealand made its debut at the Olympic Games in 1908 and has participated in every Summer Games since. To date, New Zealand athletes have earned 86 medals at the Summer Olympics, and one medal at the Winter Games (alpine skier Annelise Coberger in 1992).
Let’s explore some of New Zealand’s most celebrated Olympic champions. In 1912, Malcolm Champion became New Zealand’s first Olympic gold medalist and the first swimmer to represent the country at the Games. Yvette Williams made history as the first New Zealand woman to win an Olympic gold medal, achieving victory in the long jump at the 1952 Games. Peter Snell, a world-class middle-distance runner, gained international fame in 1960 when he secured the gold medal in Rome and set a new national 800m record. Snell added two more golds in 1964 and was later named New Zealand’s “Sports Champion of the 20th Century.”
Ian Ferguson, a canoeist, holds the title of New Zealand’s most successful Olympian. Competing in K1, K2, and K4 kayak events, he won four gold medals. Equestrian Mark Todd earned the distinction of Rider of the 20th Century by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, with gold medal victories in Los Angeles (1984) and Seoul (1988). Another iconic New Zealand athlete, Danyon Loader, won multiple gold medals and set World Records in 1996 for the 200m butterfly and 400m freestyle. Loader was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2003.
Let’s take a moment to highlight some renowned rugby, cricket, and football players from New Zealand. Rugby legends include Fred Allen, Don Clarke, Sean Fitzpatrick, Grant Fox, Dave Gallaher, Michael Jones, Ian Kirkpatrick, John Kirwan, Sir Brian Lochore, Jonah Lomu, Sir Colin Meads, Graham Mourie, George Nepia, and Wilson Whineray. On the cricket side, notable figures include Stephen Fleming, Martin Crowe, John Richard Reid, Richard Hadlee, Lance Cairns, Chris Cairns, Danny Morrison, and Daniel Vettori.
Currently, the captain of New Zealand’s national football team is defender Ryan Nelsen. Wynton Rufer, widely considered the greatest footballer in the country’s history, was named Oceania Footballer of the Century. Other football greats from New Zealand include Steve Wooddin, Shane Smeltz, and Ivan Vicelich.
7. Frying Pan Lake and Waimangu Geyser
A hot spring is a natural spring formed by the flow of heated groundwater. Hot springs are found on every continent and in various countries worldwide. Regions rich in hot springs include China, Costa Rica, Iceland, Iran, Peru, the United States, Taiwan, Japan, and New Zealand. The world’s largest hot spring is located in New Zealand and is known as Frying Pan Lake. Situated in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, it spans an area of 3.8 hectares (9.3 acres), or approximately 38,000 square meters.
The hot spring's average depth is 6 meters (19.6 feet), though in some areas it plunges to 20 meters (65.6 feet). It is a spectacular site, offering a brilliant showcase of volcanic activity. You may wonder about the geological event that gave rise to this vast hot spring. On June 10, 1886, the eruption of Mount Tarawera on the North Island formed the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. The lake is supplied by several acid springs and maintains temperatures ranging from 45 to 55°C (113-131°F).
The eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 also resulted in the formation of the Waimangu Geyser, located near Rotorua in New Zealand. Rotorua, a well-known city along the southern edge of Lake Rotorua, became renowned for the geyser. From 1900 to 1904, the Waimangu Geyser was considered the world's most powerful geyser. It was formed when the eruption created a 14 km-long (8.75 miles) fissure extending down the mountain and through Lake Rotomahana.
The Waimangu Geyser first erupted in 1900, with its explosive jets of water reaching heights of up to 460 meters (1,500 feet). In the early 1900s, it captured international attention and became a popular tourist destination. However, on November 1, 1904, the geyser became extinct due to a landslide that altered the water table in the surrounding area of New Zealand.
6. New Zealand Cryptids
New Zealand's mild maritime climate supports the growth of lush forests across the land. The country is also home to towering mountain peaks, shaped by tectonic shifts and volcanic activity. Due to this, many regions of New Zealand remain isolated and difficult to access. For centuries, reports of mysterious creatures have emerged from these remote areas. Let’s explore some of the most well-known cryptids of New Zealand.
Since the late 1990s, there have been reports of large cat sightings across New Zealand, spanning both the North and South Islands. Panther sightings in Mid-Canterbury, near Ashburton, and the Southern Alps' foothills have been noted, but no conclusive evidence has been found. The Kumi Lizard, a cryptid reptile potentially resembling a giant monitor lizard, is believed to have once inhabited New Zealand. This creature is said to be 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) long and comparable to the extinct Australian Megalania.
The Moehau is described as a large, hairy hominid found in the Coromandel-Moehau ranges on New Zealand's North Island. One theory about the Hairy Moehau suggests it could be a gorilla that escaped from a ship in the 1920s. Another cryptid, Toangians, is another ape-like being reported in New Zealand. On the South Island, the Waitoreke is said to be an animal resembling both otters and beavers.
Arguably the most fascinating cryptid in New Zealand is the Poukai, a monstrous bird known for allegedly preying on humans. Sir George Grey, a former governor of New Zealand, described the Hokioi (Poukai) as large black-and-white predators with a red crest and yellow-green tinged wingtips. If the Poukai is related to the Haast’s Eagle, then these legends may indeed hold some truth. The Haast’s Eagle was a colossal bird species that once inhabited the South Island of New Zealand.
The Haast’s Eagle was the largest eagle and true raptor ever known. Females of the species were estimated to measure up to 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches) in length, standing at about 90 cm (2 feet 11 inches) tall. These eagles preyed on large, flightless birds, including the moa, which weighed as much as 300 pounds (140 kg) — up to fifteen times the weight of the eagle. Haast’s Eagles were capable of attacking at speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph), making them formidable predators that could have easily taken down an adult human. The species went extinct around 1400.
5. The Catlins
New Zealand is renowned for its adventurous spirit, offering thrilling extreme sports, a deep-rooted mountaineering culture, and a wide range of outdoor activities. Cycling, fishing, swimming, running, hiking, canoeing, hunting, and surfing are all beloved pastimes. The Catlins Coast, located in the southeastern corner of the South Island, offers stunning landscapes, hiking opportunities, and the serenity of remote areas. The region boasts a rugged coastline and lush temperate rainforest, which shelter various endangered bird species, including the rare yellow-eyed penguin.
The coast is constantly buffeted by wild weather and powerful ocean swells, making it a prime destination for big-wave surfers. These conditions have led to a series of shipwrecks along the coast, attracting divers and treasure hunters in search of hidden riches. The Catlins Coast's secluded nature makes it a perfect spot for surfers looking for uncharted wave locations. The area is often referred to as a 'treasure trove of undiscovered wave formations,' with famous surf spots such as Kaka Point, Nugget Point, Cannibal Bay, Long Point, and the Catlins River Mouth.
While exploring the Catlins Coast, make sure to visit the dramatic cliffs of Slope Point. To reach this remote spot, you'll need to follow a 20-minute walk marked by worn yellow signs, as there is no road access. The coastline is a sight to behold, with sandy beaches, blowholes, the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay, and the Cathedral Caves, which are only accessible during low tide. These caves can be explored two hours before or after low tide and are one of New Zealand’s most visited tourist attractions.
The Catlins Coast features towering cliffs that rise as high as 200 meters (660 feet). This dramatic landscape causes many of the local rivers to plunge into spectacular waterfalls, with the most famous being the breathtaking Purakaunui Falls. Situated along the Purakaunui River, these falls drop 20 meters (66 feet) in a graceful three-tier cascade, surrounded by dense native bush. The unique beauty of the Catlins has been immortalized in poems by the renowned Hone Tuwhare, making it a place unlike any other in the world.
4. RMS Niagara
On June 19, 1940, the RMS Niagara struck a mine near Auckland, causing it to sink in 121 meters (397 feet) of water. Miraculously, no lives were lost, but the ship's valuable cargo—a large consignment of gold and weapons from the Bank of England—was lost to the ocean. Passengers' valuables also went down with the ship. In the early 1940s, there were several efforts to recover the gold. One successful attempt saw the recovery of more than eight tons of gold by the Claymore. In total, 555 gold bars were recovered, but as of 2011, five gold bars worth an estimated $1.2 million New Zealand dollars still remain buried with the wreck. Despite various recovery efforts, the gold remains elusive.
The RMS Niagara disaster occurred on June 19, 1940, when a mine struck the vessel near Auckland, causing it to sink to a depth of 121 meters (397 feet). Remarkably, no one lost their life, but a large shipment of gold and weapons from the Bank of England was consigned to the sea along with the ship. In addition, valuables from the passengers were also lost. In the years following the incident, there were multiple recovery missions. The Claymore was able to recover more than eight tons of gold, but only five bars remained unaccounted for, estimated at a value of $1.2 million NZD as of 2011. The quest for the remaining gold continues.
3. Sir Edmund Hillary
When considering the most famous person to come from New Zealand, Edmund Hillary undoubtedly stands out. Born in Auckland in 1919, Hillary developed a passion for mountaineering during his secondary school years. His first major climb took place in 1939, when he conquered the summit of Mount Ollivier. On May 29, 1953, alongside the Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, Hillary became one of the first people confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest and survived the perilous journey. This historic achievement launched Hillary into global fame, eventually earning him a place among the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.
After his groundbreaking Everest ascent, Hillary dedicated much of his life to assisting the Sherpa people of Nepal. He invested in the development of schools and hospitals in the region. Throughout his career, he successfully summited ten additional peaks in the Himalayas. He also made a remarkable journey to the South Pole, becoming the first person to reach it overland since Roald Amundsen in 1911 and Robert Falcon Scott in 1912. Despite the numerous risks associated with climbing towering mountains, Hillary's most infamous near-death experiences actually came from plane crashes.
Edmund Hillary narrowly escaped the 1960 New York air disaster, having missed his flight due to a delay. Between 1977 and 1979, he provided commentary on several Antarctic sightseeing flights run by Air New Zealand. He was scheduled to be the commentator on the ill-fated flight on November 28, 1979, which tragically crashed into Mount Erebus. However, Hillary was replaced by his close friend Peter Mulgrew, who lost his life in the crash.
In 1992, Edmund Hillary became the first and only New Zealander to appear on a banknote during his lifetime when he was featured on the New Zealand $5 note. In 2006, Hillary expressed strong disapproval of the decision not to attempt a rescue of David Sharp, a climber who tragically died on Mount Everest. Hillary criticized this as unacceptable, emphasizing the importance of never leaving another climber behind. On January 11, 2008, Hillary passed away from heart failure at Auckland City Hospital at the age of 88.
2. Mount Erebus Disaster
In 1977, Air New Zealand initiated an Antarctic sightseeing flight, departing from Auckland Airport and returning via Christchurch, offering passengers a chance to view previously unexplored regions of Antarctica. The flight was deemed a unique opportunity, attracting a large number of passengers eager to experience the voyage. On November 28, 1979, the 14th flight of TE-901 tragically crashed into Mount Erebus on Ross Island in Antarctica, resulting in the deaths of all 237 passengers and 20 crew members on board.
The initial investigation into the Air New Zealand flight disaster attributed the crash to pilot error. However, further inquiry revealed that the crash was caused by a change in the flight's coordinates, which the crew was not informed about. If the pilots had been aware of the adjustment, the crash might have been avoided. This unexpected alteration to the flight plan led the aircraft to unknowingly fly into the path of Mount Erebus. After a lengthy search, both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were found. The voice recorder revealed that the crew mistakenly believed they were flying over McMurdo Sound, far west of Mount Erebus, while in fact, they were heading directly toward the mountain.
Seconds before the tragic crash, a series of photos were captured showing the mountain clearly visible and well below the cloud base. This has raised confusion, as the pilots should have been able to recognize the imminent danger. As a result, a conspiracy theory has emerged in New Zealand, with some believing the government concealed crucial information about the incident. Following the crash, the phrase 'an orchestrated litany of lies' became part of New Zealand's popular culture. There were also rumors about passengers who either won tickets for the flight or received them as gifts. This disaster remains the deadliest peacetime tragedy in New Zealand's history.
1. Zealandia
New Zealand is officially considered an island nation, but it actually rests atop a vast submerged continent known as Zealandia. Zealandia is a largely submerged landmass that separated from Australia millions of years ago. New Zealand is the largest portion of Zealandia that remains above sea level, followed by New Caledonia. This sunken continent is larger than Greenland or India, and nearly half the size of Australia. Zealandia extends from New Caledonia to New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands. It supports significant inshore fisheries and contains New Zealand’s largest gas field, located near Taranaki.
In 1768, Captain Cook was tasked with finding the mythical Terra Australis Incognita, the supposed great southern continent believed to lie somewhere in the South Pacific. However, according to history, Cook's expedition failed to find it, instead only discovering New Zealand. Some experts, like GNS geologist Hamish Campbell, suggest that Cook might have actually found Zealandia, the sunken landmass. This theory is controversial, as it posits that Zealandia, along with New Zealand, was once completely submerged. Campbell supports his claim with evidence from the Ruahine Range, which was once underwater.
This theory would challenge established ideas about New Zealand's creation and offer insights into the absence of mammals in the country’s native wildlife. According to the theory, New Zealand's flora and fauna might trace their origins to ancestors that were less than 25 million years old. Despite this, the theory has been dismissed by many, with some pointing to the tuatara—a reptile native to New Zealand—as evidence of the region’s ancient history. The tuatara is considered a rare survivor from the time of the dinosaurs.
+ Baldwin Street, Dunedin
Baldwin Street, located in Dunedin, New Zealand, holds the title of the world’s steepest residential street. Situated in the North East Valley suburb, it lies kilometers (2.2 miles) northeast of the Dunedin city center. The street stretches eastward from Lindsay Creek’s valley, ascending the side of Signal Hill towards Opoho. Baldwin Street’s steepness reaches a maximum slope of just over 1:5. Its incline is about 1:2.86 (19° or 35%), meaning for every 2.86 meters traveled, there’s an elevation gain of 1 meter. The street was constructed in the mid-1800s as part of a broader grid layout.
Baldwin Street is known for hosting a variety of annual events in New Zealand, including the Baldwin Street Gutbuster, where participants run from the base to the top of the street and then back down. Since 2002, the street has also been the venue for an event where over 30,000 Jaffas (small chocolate balls) are rolled down the hill. The road has become a popular location for thrill-seekers attempting dangerous stunts. Tragically, in March 2001, a 19-year-old student from the University of Otago was killed when she attempted to descend the street in a wheelie bin. The bin collided with a parked trailer, resulting in her death. On January 2, 2010, stuntman Ian Soanes performed a daring stunt by riding a motorcycle on one wheel down Baldwin Street.
